The province of NTB or West Nusa Tenggara consists of the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa. Geographically, Sumbawa Indonesia is right next to Lombok on the East side. Both are incredible destinations if you are looking for the natural beauty of Indonesia. So, let's compare Sumbawa vs Lombok and see if the former is worth a visit?
Sumbawa vs Lombok
Lombok and Sumbawa are neighbouring islands on the same side of the Wallace Line. Still, you shouldn't expect the same experience. We'll make a comparison, so you can make up your mind if Sumbawa is worth a visit.
What to expect
Just like Lombok, Sumbawa Indonesia is an island. The types of destinations that you get are an all in package. Mountains, beaches, hills, waterfalls, beautiful rivers, lakes, savannas, caves, and so on.
If in Lombok there is Mount Rinjani, in Sumbawa there is Tambora as an historic Indonesian volcano. If one is surrounded by small islands, the other as well. The Gili's are replaced by the islands: Kenawa, Bedil, Keramat, Bungin and many others. If you come for surfing, snorkeling or diving, Sumbawa Indonesia is also perfect for that.
How to get to Sumbawa
Just like traveling to Lombok, Sumbawa Indonesia can be accessed by sea as well as by air. From Lombok, you will only travel 2 hours by fast boat and 45 minutes by plane.
Thanks to the more peaceful sea, this is shorter than your 4 hour trip from Bali to Lombok. Apart from fast boats, you can also go sailing with tourist boats directly from Lombok, Sumbawa and even go as far as Labuan Bajo or other small islands in the eastern parts of Indonesia.
What's the difference?
Whereas both islands are not as developed as Bali, Lombok has become host for the Mandalika MotoGP and other motorbike racing events in Indonesia. Visit Sumbawa as a more unexplored paradise.
If you are a lover of adventure, Sumbawa Indonesia is heaven for you. Even so, Pulau Sumbawa and the islands of eastern Indonesia are exotic destinations that have become mainstays of Indonesian tourism. So the island is used to and ready to receive overseas tourists.
Why go to Sumbawa?
Sumbawa Indonesia is almost 3 times the size of Lombok. This means that there will be more things to explore. So you will never run out of ideas for what to do in Sumbawa. Although similar, both have their own beauty. The native tribe that inhabits the island is the Sumbawa tribe or Tau Samawa.
Both have a Muslim majority population. However, historically, the ancient relics there came from the sultanate. The culture of the two is therefore very different. For example, famous festivals are horse, buffalo, chicken, ship and other types of races.
Where to Stay
Lombok is smaller and has better infrastructure, so you have better mobility to go for many activities. When you choose a place to stay that is surrounded by famous destinations, such as the Amazing Lombok Resort, you don't have to bother for the rest of the holiday, only to reach the North.
But Sumbawa is much bigger, and you have to be smart about managing your time. The city center of the capital, Bima, is near the airport. From there you can rent a vehicle and then explore each area. Hotels, villas, resorts and small homestays are scattered all over the island, but we recommend always renting a place before planning a trip. Don't forget to find out more by reading a full Sumbawa travel guide. Then you won't get confused about where to go on this big island.
Continue to East Indonesia
The islands in the eastern part of Indonesia are referred to as 'a patch of heaven'. Further to the east of Sumbawa Indonesia, you will be greeted by the island of Komodo, home to the magical Komodo Dragon and also Labuan Bajo. This area is nicknamed the city of a thousand sunsets.
And the trip along this piece of heaven starts from Lombok. Here you can decide whether to continue the journey and how. Lombok and Sumbawa are hidden gems which are a shame for you to miss. So, enjoy your slow living and extend your holiday from Lombok to Sumbawa Indonesia.
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Last updated on: 08 May 2026